Many times, Albanians have proven themselves by achieving great success in various fields around the world.
Among them is the Albanian-American Liridona Leti, born in Palm Springs, California.
The work she does is of particular importance to all of humanity.
“Born in Palm Springs CA, I have a Bachelors of Science and a Masters of Science in Chemistry! I work at UCLA as a radiochemist working on different types of cancer tracers”, says Liridona for Atlantiku.
The war of 1998-99 in Kosovo and the consequences it left on people’s health, was the reason that pushed Liridona to become a chemist.
“At first I actually wanted to be a doctor, a pulmonologist to be exact, but after the war when people started dying from lung cancer and other ailments I realized that the only way to fix the problem is to prevent it, that was when I decided to go into chemistry”, she adds.
The Albanian-American chemist is the first in her family to receive a university degree.
For her academic successes she is grateful to her parents, while adding that she does not intend to stop with that, since her goal is also a doctorate.
“My parents came here so I have a chance to get this education, and here I am climbing to the top of it all.Being able to go through those hurdles was indeed tough and any first generation student knows how it feels, but the path that we go on is important alone, because we tend to appreciate so much more in life. I was able to get my bachelor’s and master’s while struggling with ADHD (found out about it when I was done with college), which made it all the more difficult. The thing is, I’m not done yet either, I still plan to go and get a PhD which is a huge achievement for me and my family”, she says.
Being Albanian in an American society
Growing up between two different cultures was also challenging for the successful chemist Liridona Leti.
But when you have friends to support, everything is easier, she says.
“Growing up not near many Albanians made it harder because I didn’t have anyone who understood mine and my families struggles, especially during the war when we had to go to school and work but still wondered if our families in Kosovo were alive. With that said, being an adult has made the different cultures easier. When people don’t know anything about the Albanian culture I take that time to educate them about it, but my friends definitely know how obnoxious I can be (I say this with so much love) when I randomly tell them Albanian facts that they did not ask for, but I am lucky to have supportive friends”, she says.
She adds that it is scary to think of how her parents immigrated to the United States when they were just 19 years old, leaving their families thousands of miles away, in the hope that one day they will be reunited with them on America.
Kosovo, science, and the construction of an observatory
Overall, Kosovo has made progress in various areas. But science needs more attention.
Especially medical sciences, says the Albanian chemist, Liridona Leti.
“It needs improvement and I say this with full respect based off what I have witnessed. There are so many bright and educated people living there who have so much potential, but the sources are just not there… There are may ways in which we can get more people involved with general science, but we do need access, we do need materials, and of course we need money. With that said, there are many ways to at least get the children of Kosovo creative minds moving in a safe and none expensive manner. I would love to talk to anyone who is willing to listen to get these ideas out to them!”
Leti says that building an observation center would be very useful for Kosovo.
“I hope this does go through because it can benefit the people of Kosovo. Being able to have an observatory and planetarium is a gift, I have been to many and each time I get to learn something new, why not give that same gift to the people of Kosovo?”, she adds.
Social networks in the union of Albanian chemists / scientists
Thanks to social networks like Instagram, chemist Liridona Leti has also connected with other Albanian colleagues.
They have created a network that organizes virtual meetings where important topics related to science are discussed.
“The whole reason behind me creating my IG account AlbanianChemist was not only to educate others by having my Live with AlbanianChemist and Scientists, but also to find other Albanian chemist/scientists,. When I did find them, I realized that all felt the same way, that we wish there were more of us out there. I have worked with a couple non profits to help more Albanians to get involved with STEM and it has been quite the journey!”, says Leti for Atlantiku.
Liridona Letit’s Instagram account:
View this profile on Instagram
Liridona Leti has a message for Albanian youth who want to contribute to science.
“Just do what you want and do not let anyone try to take you away or make you feel small. It is a difficult path to follow, there are many challenges to face, but if you want to, you will find ways to achieve that goal. Just remember that you will not be alone, you will have a support group be it family, friends or classmates! “Please just keep going because it’s worth it.”
The Albanian-American chemist does not only deal with science. She is also an actress. Liridona has participated in several film and theater projects in Los Angeles.
